Defender offers his views to bwfc.co.uk following Wanderers' opening day clash with Derby
Lawrie Wilson believes that Wanderers’ opening day efforts against Derby County can prove to be a catalyst for the current campaign.
Seeing the woodwork rattled on three occasions – twice by Gary Madine and once by Emile Heskey – the Whites were reduced to ten men late on following the dismissal of Jay Spearing, but found themselves disappointed not to have taken all three points at the final whistle.
And while ultimately frustrated that luck wasn’t shining on the Trotters, recent signing Wilson paid tribute to the performance of the side whilst also praising the club’s supporters.
“Before the game, people were doubting us and our ability, but I think on today’s performance you will see that we’re here to fight and hopefully challenge near the top,” said the defender following the game.
“It’s unfortunate that we did hit the woodwork so many times – some weeks they go in and you end up winning 3-0, but we have to keep going.
“We showed today that our fitness-levels up there - we started to dominate and got better and better as the game went on.”
“Also, to have a new back four in and to keep a clean sheet is promising, and for Prince to come in, train Friday and play 90 minutes today, is brilliant.”
He continued: “The atmosphere was outstanding - it was a scorching hot day, as always on the opening day, but it was absolutely brilliant and the atmosphere was fantastic.
“If we can keep it like that week in, week out and make Macron Stadium a fortress, then we’ll be very tough to beat.”
With a Capital One Cup tie against Burton Albion next up before a trip to Middlesbrough on Saturday, Wilson hopes that the Whites can create some momentum with the games coming thick and fast as they look to climb the Sky Bet Championship table.
“You have to aim for the top - every player aims for the top. They always want to get promoted from whatever league they’re in.
“For now, there is no limit. We want to be at the top and to play like we did today as a new-look team I think is very promising.”
And having agreed a two-year-deal with the club earlier this week, the full-back admitted that he is already feeling at home at Macron Stadium.
“It’s been brilliant, the lads have been superb with me,” he admitted. “They’ve welcomed me into the camp and made me feel at home.
“They’ve been telling me where to go eat, where to look for places and things like that - they’re a great squad and really tight-knit.
“I think when people come in then they really go out of their way to help you settle and that’s really nice and helps massively.”